Milford homes being raised to make repairs

Nearly six months since Hurricane Sandy, many homes along the Connecticut shoreline are just now in the process of being rebuilt.

In Milford, many of them are being put up on stilts to avoid future damage from floodwaters.

After both Tropical Storm Irene and Hurricane Sandy more than 200 homes in Milford sustained significant damage.

City officials told Eyewitness News some homeowners are planning to rebuild completely, while others are choosing to raise up their homes.

One homeowner on Hillside Avenue said he is trying to salvage what's left of his home by building it up on stilts.

"It's the only thing that can be done at this point, you know, with the weather we've been having now," said Edward Jones, of Milford. "It just really makes sense, if you can afford to do it, do it."

Eyewitness News saw that several of the homes on Hillside Avenue is being raised above the flood waters.

City officials told Eyewitness News, homes with 50 percent or more damage from both storms must rebuild, according to code.

And because Milford is a flood zone, that means homes must be risen up to avoid future damage.

After dealing with damage from both storms, Jones said he will just be happy to have it done by next hurricane season because he says future damage is not a matter of if, but when.

"The way we're having the weather now, with the increased storms coming up and hitting the Northeast like they never have before, you know, two years in a row," Jones said. "I'm sure it's going to happen more."

Raising their homes may mean peace of mind, but doing so can also be costly. In some cases insurance only covers a third of the cost.

City officials said in addition to money received by Federal Emergency Management Agency and insurance companies, residents can also apply for other grants and loans to help cover the cost

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